Khaydarin crystals are psi-active,[1] monolithic psionic artifacts left behind by the xel'naga on various worlds. They are composed of blue-hued organic stones. Their name means "focuser of the heart" in the Khalani language.[2] They are frequently associated with xel'naga temples (such as those at Bhekar Ro[3] and Nemaka).[2]

Khaydarin crystals feel cold when touched, causing an aching pain and a 'tingling feeling', at least to terrans. Protoss feel the tingling sensation but without pain, though these differing feelings may be based on the size of the crystal as opposed to differing physiology.[3] The crystals themselves can also be affected by outside stimuli to an extent, such as the Khalis and Uraj crystals becoming altered by their users and their environment.[4]

Khaydarin crystal landforms

Khaydarin crystals also possess abilities amounting to levitation. This is demonstrated in pylons and even some landmasses on Aiur, with giant crystals floating in the sky, rock strata having formed around them.[5]

Contents

The crystals were used by the xel'naga to facilitate their genetic experiments in an unknown manner.[1] The xel'naga also used them as 'computers'; a particularly large crystal appeared to act like a xel'naga-designed artificial intelligence. The xel'naga could also use the crystals as "storehouses of information", playing such a role in the caverns beneath Aiur.[2]

The protoss use them to strengthen their psionic bond and power their psionic technology. Khaydarin crystals were used by Khas to restore the protoss psionic link at the heart of the Khala, leading to the end of the Aeon of Strife.[1][2] They have been used by the protoss to enhance their psionic energies.[3] They can also help protoss focus and calm their minds.[6]High templar wear khaydarin to enhance their wide variety of psionic abilities.[7]

Similar to the xel'naga, the protoss have demonstrated the ability to use khaydarin crystals to store information, particularly those situated on the moon of Ehlna-unique energies found there provided the means to do so. These crystals vary in terms of the amount of data they could hold, and became "worn" when used, requiring the transfer of memories to new crystals.[6]

Some protoss aerospace craft use khaydarin crystals directly. Arbiters possessed khaydarin cores to enhance their wide variety of psionic abilities.[8] Khaydarin crystals are part of the computer system of the warp prism[9] and a huge khaydarin crystal infused with a vast amount of psionic energy is situated at heart of each mothership, providing it with energy.[10] These crystals also provide propulsion and control for the mothership.[11]Carriers and other capital ships utilize a large khaydarin crystal named the crystal matrix, which serves as a power source for the ship.[12] Khaydarin crystals are renowned for their reliability; prior to two simultaneously failing on board motherships in the midst of the Golden Age of Expansion, only one khaydarin crystal had ever failed aboard a ship.[11]

A pylon

Protoss structures and, to a lesser extent, units, draw their energy from a great psionic energy matrix that emanates from Aiur. While a nexus provides a link to this matrix, khaydarin crystal-based pylons are needed to actually tap into the energy required to provide psionic energy to new colonies. Each pylon generates a short-ranged aura of energy, which can provide the power needed by structures and warp gates. If a protoss building loses its connection to the psionic matrix, it will shut down until it is reconnected, and new units cannot be gated in if there is insufficient psionic energy to provide them with power. Shield battery energy cores also contain a khaydarin crystal, which absorbs and stores psionic energy.[1] By using warp stones, modified khaydarin crystals, protoss can warp out wounded warriors the moment they take critical injuries.[13]

However, this plan was foiled. Upon discovering the crystals, Zeratul ordered an assault force, including a Dark Archon Hero, to destroy the crystals. Upon their destruction, the enslaved zerg became dormant.[16]

A fairly large amount of khaydarin was present on Aiur, homeland of the protoss, seemingly left behind by the xel'naga. The mystic Khas and his student Temlaa stumbled upon a group of them during their travels in the latter part of the Aeon of Strife and quickly discovered their ability to recreate the lost protoss psionic link.

Studying the crystals enabled the two to decipher numerous old xel'naga artifacts which they and the Shelak Tribe had guarded during the civil war. This led them to the Xel'naga caverns, an underground xel'naga city, and after using the crystals to gain entrance to the chambers, they found a giant khaydarin crystal in its heart. The crystal had been previously used to drain the lives of several protoss from different tribes, but Khas was determined to subject himself to the crystal's abilities. It started to drain him, after which Temlaa reversed the ability, causing it to heal Khas. When Khas awoke, he told Temlaa that the crystal had "shared" with him and taught him many things about the protoss psionic link and the xel'naga themselves.[2]

The zergOvermind was able to learn how to manipulate the energies of the crystals after absorbing many xel'naga.

During the Fall of Aiur, the zerg were able to obtain small amounts of the crystals.[19] The Overmind insisted that the protoss temple on the site where the xel'naga first set foot on Aiur be destroyed and the crystal placed onto the cleared site so it could manifest itself on Aiur.[20]

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In 2503, torrential rains on Helios uncovered alien ruins along with a khaydarin crystal buried among them. Two opposing terran factions engaged in battle over the artifact.[21]